Introduced by Desmond Wilcox

Watergate and Poulson - Lonrho and Lambton. How seriously has the rash of recent scandals undermined public confidence in the men we elect to govern us? And, even before that, how much confidence did the average voter have in the MPs who represent him at Westminster? When we read reports of Parliamentary debates and watch political arguments on television, do we continue firmly to believe that politicians are the men who really run the country?

In an Opinion Research Centre poll, specially commissioned for this programme, the results reveal what we, the people, truly think of our politicians. How trustworthy are they? And how effective - for country or constituency? Do we trust MPs more or less as a result of television exposure? Should they vote for party -or conscience?

In the studio, with leaders of industry, trade unionists, journalists, ratepayers, rank-and-file party workers, pensioners and housewives, a group of this country's most influential front- and back-bench politicians debate A Question of Confidence.

Drama or dirger: page 4